OMAM Chapter 6 Story Questions

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Questions and Answers

What scenes of death does Steinbeck describe in the beginning of Chapter 6 that parallels the events of the previous chapter and foreshadow the events to come?

He describes the dead leaves, the dying waves and wind, and a water snake being eaten.

What is the setting at the beginning of the chapter? Why does it seem familiar?

The setting is around the river by the brush. It seems familiar because this was the setting at the beginning of the story.

Why do you think Lennie visualizes Aunt Clara at this particular time?

Lennie visualizes her because he feels guilty.

What do Lennie and Aunt Clara 'talk' about?

They talk about how Lennie messed everything up for George and that he won't tend the rabbits at the new farm. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lennie 'see' next? What does it keep repeating to Lennie?

A gigantic rabbit; It keeps repeating that it'll beat the hell out of him and 'He gonna leave you, ya crazy bastard.' Signup and view all the answers

How did George suddenly get a gun?

He got Carlson's gun when he left the barn after he and Candy found Curley's wife dead. Signup and view all the answers

What is George's intention in telling Lennie the 'story' again at this point?

George tells Lennie the story to distract him and put him in his happy place before he dies. Signup and view all the answers

Why did George choose to shoot Lennie?

He chose to shoot Lennie so that he doesn't have to suffer from Curley. Signup and view all the answers

What might have happened to Lennie if Curley had got ahold of him?

Curley would've made him suffer before killing him. Signup and view all the answers

How does George's version of what happened contradict with what actually happened?

George tells them that Lennie had Carlson's gun when really he had it. Signup and view all the answers

Why did George lie about what really happened?

He lied to protect his original story (not being involved with Curley's wife's death). Signup and view all the answers

What evidence is there that Slim understands what has really happened there on the river bank?

Slim knew their relationship's backstory and kept telling him that he had to do it. Signup and view all the answers

At the end of the book, Carlson said, 'Now what the hell ya suppose is eatin' them two guys?' What doesn't Carlson understand?

Carlson doesn't understand why the two are hurt over Lennie's death. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Carlson's quote important to the themes of the novel?

It's important because it confirms different types of questioning themes. Signup and view all the answers

What are some themes displayed in the novel?

Friendship, loyalty, loneliness, death, hopes and dreams. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Death and Foreshadowing

Steinbeck opens Chapter 6 with imagery of death, including dead leaves, dying waves, and a water snake being devoured, paralleling previous tragic events.

Familiar Setting

The chapter begins near a river by a brush, creating a sense of familiarity since this was the opening setting of the story.

Lennie's Hallucinations

Lennie visualizes Aunt Clara due to feelings of guilt over the trouble he caused, emphasizing his emotional turmoil.

Conversation with Aunt Clara

In his vision, Lennie and Aunt Clara discuss his failures, particularly regarding how he has disappointed George and the dream of tending rabbits.

Giant Rabbit Vision

Lennie next "sees" a gigantic rabbit that ominously repeats that it will harm him, echoing fears of abandonment and loss.

Acquisition of George's Gun

George acquires Carlson's gun after discovering Curley's wife dead, a pivotal moment leading to the climax of the chapter.

Purpose of the Storytelling

George recounts the dream of their future to Lennie to distract him and evoke happy memories before the tragic conclusion.

George's Choice to Shoot Lennie

George decides to shoot Lennie to spare him from a cruel fate at Curley’s hands, showcasing his protective instincts.

Potential Fate of Lennie

If Curley captures Lennie, he would inflict severe suffering on him, illustrating the brutality of the characters’ world.

George's Deception

George concocts a story claiming that Lennie had Carlson's gun, contradicting the truth to protect their narrative and avoid blame.

Motivation for George's Lie

The lie serves to maintain George's original story and distance himself from the fallout of Curley’s wife’s death.

Slim's Understanding

Slim comprehends the gravity of the situation and the nature of George and Lennie's relationship, suggesting he understands George's drastic decision.

Carlson's Ignorance

Carlson's remark about the emotional state of George and Slim reveals his inability to grasp the depth of their bond and loss over Lennie's death.

Thematic Significance

Carlson's statement underscores themes of alienation and the varied nature of human relationships within the story.

Central Themes

Prominent themes in the novel include friendship, loyalty, loneliness, death, and the pursuit of hopes and dreams, which are woven throughout the narrative.

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Description

Test your understanding of Chapter 6 of 'Of Mice and Men' with these story questions. Explore the themes of death and foreshadowing described by Steinbeck, and analyze the familiar setting that reflects the story's progression. Perfect for reinforcing key concepts from the chapter.